The Government of Ontario is proposing significant changes to how high school students are evaluated, including tying attendance directly to final grades. The measures were introduced as part of broader education reforms announced by Education Minister Paul Calandra.
Under the proposal, attendance and participation would account for 15 per cent of final marks in Grades 9 and 10, and 10 per cent in Grades 11 and 12. The plan would also require students to complete written exams during designated exam periods, marking a return to more traditional assessment methods.
Calandra says the changes are aimed at addressing declining attendance rates, which educators have identified as a growing concern since the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also proposed standardizing learning resources across the province to ensure greater consistency in how the curriculum is delivered.
However, the plan has drawn criticism from education groups, including the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, which argues that increased supports—not grading changes—are needed to improve attendance. Critics say issues such as class sizes, mental health resources, and student engagement should be the primary focus.
The proposed changes are part of a broader legislative package that also seeks to adjust the role of school board trustees and governance structures, with further debate expected as the legislation moves forward.
Written by: Matt LeBlanc
